Program Manager – Digital Assistant & AI Programme (Expert)
Start Date: 01/07/2026
End Date: 15/07/2027
Location: Brussels, Belgium (Hybrid – VAC Brussels)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead a strategic government initiative focused on the development of a Digital Assistant platform powered by Artificial Intelligence. The program aims to provide citizens, businesses, associations, and public employees with unified, omnichannel access to government services through AI-driven interaction.

The role also includes alignment with the European EUROPAI initiative, ensuring compliance, sovereignty, scalability, and trustworthiness of AI solutions within a public sector context.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of a large-scale AI-driven digital transformation program.
• Define and manage program roadmap, scope, budget, risks, and dependencies.
• Coordinate multiple projects across infrastructure and application development streams.
• Align Flemish and European (EUROPAI) program objectives.
• Manage stakeholders across government agencies, IT teams, and external vendors.
• Apply structured program governance using methodologies such as PRINCE2, MSP, Agile, or Scrum.
• Oversee risk, issue, and dependency management across the program lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with ITIL processes, GDPR, and public sector standards.
• Drive adoption of Generative AI solutions within public service environments.
• Provide strategic reporting and communication to senior management.
• Ensure program alignment with EU funding requirements and environmental compliance principles (DNSH).

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience as a Program Manager.
• At least 15 years of experience in infrastructure or software development projects.
• Strong experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder public sector programs.
• Proven knowledge of program/project management methodologies (PRINCE2, PMBOK, MSP).
• Experience with Agile/Scrum environments.
• Strong background in risk management and governance.
• Experience with ITIL frameworks.
• Proven stakeholder and vendor management experience.
• Fluency in Dutch (C2 level required).

Preferred Experience

• Experience within the Flemish government or public sector.
• Experience with GDPR compliance in large-scale programs.
• Familiarity with Generative AI (GenAI) initiatives and AI governance.
• Certification in PRINCE2 or equivalent program management methodology.
• Experience managing digital transformation or infrastructure modernization programs.

Work Environment

• High-impact public sector transformation program.
• Hybrid working model based in Brussels.
• Strong focus on AI innovation, European digital sovereignty, and citizen-centric services.
• Multi-stakeholder environment involving national and European institutions.